The FTSE 100 managed a modest 0.1% uptick this morning, a slight recovery from Friday's 0.3% dip. Last week was a rough ride for global equity markets, despite a late attempt to reverse the trend. Amidst the downturn, some companies shone brightly. SAP SE, Philip Morris, and GE Vernova delivered solid results, while Nvidia and Microsoft worked their usual tech magic. Tesla, with its results bordering on the mystical, soared 22% on Thursday, giving the Nasdaq a rare 0.1% lift. In times of uncertainty, big tech stocks are the investors' safe haven, especially when the uncertainty involves the US presidential election, monetary policy, and geopolitics.

Asian markets woke up on the right side of the bed this morning, with Japan's Nikkei 225 climbing 1.8%, the Shanghai Composite up 0.3%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng inching up 0.2%. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 also nudged up 0.1%. 

In the UK, all eyes are on Wednesday's budget announcement. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to tackle "unprecedented" economic challenges, likely proposing tax hikes, including a possible increase in employer national insurance.

On the corporate front, Lloyds Banking Group is grappling with a court ruling mandating motor dealers to disclose commissions to customers, a decision that could shake up the motor finance sector. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca has secured European approval for its Fasenra treatment as an add-on for adults with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a severe immune disorder. Trainline has upped its annual outlook, now anticipating higher net ticket sales growth.

This week's global economic calendar is packed, with key US jobs data culminating in the nonfarm payrolls report on Friday.

Things to read today: